Memphis NAACP comments on the passing of Benjamin Hooks

Action News 5 received the following statement from the NAACP:

STATEMENT FROM MEMPHIS NAACP REGARDING DR. BENJAMIN HOOKS

(April 15, 2010 - Memphis, TENN) Dr. Benjamin Hooks served as the guiding light for the Memphis Branch NAACP during the formative years of the Civil Rights Movement. He was the strong voice which mobilized the Memphis community to join hands across racial, ethnic and economic barriers to address equality and justice for African-Americans in this community. He served for fifteen years as the Executive director of the National NAACP and returned to Memphis to serve on the Executive Committee of the Memphis Branch as First Vice President. He continually offered his wise counsel in times of distress. We shall miss his bold voice and wide influence in the affairs of this nation and his kind heart.

Dr. Warner DickersonPresident of the Memphis Branch NAACP and the Executive Committee and Branch Staff